Category Archives: Travel

Ten years ago, most people visited a travel agency to arrange their vacations. However, these days, many folks use the internet to save time and money. Today, I wanted to provide some advice that could help you to follow suit. Don’t worry too much if you’re not an internet buff. The tips on this page are easy to follow, and you’re guaranteed to get better results. So, bookmark or print this article and keep it on hand the next time you book a holiday. You’ll have everything sorted in no time, and you’ll keep lots of cash in your accounts to ensure you have a fantastic experience.

Booking cheap flights

Nobody wants to pay more than is necessary for their air travel. At the end of the day, you have to cover that cost to reach your destination. So, it doesn’t make sense to use your entire budget. Indeed, you could even visit more upmarket locations if there was a way to decrease the cost of flights. Well, thankfully, there is a solution. Using the internet, you will find lots of websites that offer in-depth ticket information. They show you the best times to buy to get the lowest prices. There are also many domains that specialize in last minute deals. For that reason, it’s easy to avoid the most expensive rates if you use technology.

Learning about the best attractions

Whether you’re looking for attractions in France or the best restaurants in Dubai, the internet is your friend. Thousands of travel websites will tell you everything you need to know. Some of them also feature reviews from other travelers who visited those places in the past. So, it’s easy to work out which establishments you should try based on the information. Just perform a Google search and check the entire first page of results. You are guaranteed to find lots of facts and info on any attraction anywhere in the world.

Arranging transfers

One of the main advantages of using travel agents in the past was that they could arrange transfers. The last thing you want to do is wait until you arrive at your destination. You will end up spending a lot more if you use local taxi firms. Thankfully, there is no need to stress about that issue if you have a working internet connection. There are brokers out there who will match you with the best transfer providers in that country. There are also lots of sites that publish info about cheap alternatives. Maybe you’re visiting somewhere with good public transport links? You would save a fortune if you used trains and buses to reach your accommodation.

As you can see from the info on this page, the internet is the best tool for making sure you don’t get ripped off. When all’s said and done, you need to keep as much money in your accounts as possible. That will help to ensure you have a brilliant time and never run out of cash. When it comes to saving money on hotels, you should follow the same process I outlined for flights.

If France isn’t in your travel plans, then it should be. It’s the atypical land of romance and love, but it has so much more to offer than that.

A simple look pins France along its European neighbors and it might at first glance seem exactly like Spain and the Netherlands and all the other countries in mainland Europe. Those comparisons might be a bit off. Each country in Europe has such a distinct feel, with unique histories. Each country tells a story, and that is exactly the same for fair old France.

France is the world’s number one tourist destination, and it’s very easy to see why. France is one of those countries that has it all, from history, tourist sights and attractions, amazing visages, monuments, greenery and of course plenty of amazing and beautiful cities to visit! That’s without mentioning the food – fresh cheeses, fine wines, frogs legs! Yum. Some of the world’s best restaurants and bistros are based in France, and of course – there are some amazing beaches.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in France, from kayaking, cycling, sightseeing, eating, sampling wines and almost anything else you can imagine.

Paris is the main destination in France and for a good reason – it’s the capital city of France and one of the main cultural hubs of the world from the Louvre to Notre Dame. Paris is full to the brim of history and was the center of the liberal French Revolution as seen in Les Miserables. Of course, underneath Paris likes the world famous catacombs! A creepy winding cave full of human remains.

On the lighter side, Paris is right next to Europe’s Disneyland, thus being perfect for a family getaway right next to Goofy, Mickey, and Donald!

Paris boasts the very symbol of France in the Eiffel Tower. This monument rises high into the sky and offers some iconic views. You can of course head to the Louvre to check out the world famous Mona Lisa among other famous pieces. There is also the symbol of France’s resilience in the splendid Arc de Triomphe. Paris is a microcosm of France and really does have it all.

One hundred years ago, young men across Europe fought raging and violent battles across France and Belgium as World War One drew to a climax. The battle of the Somme and the offensive at Verdun hold two memorials that will simply take your breath away. It’s always worth paying your respects and none more so to the countless lives lost in such a disastrous war. It’s also been over nine-hundred and fifty years since the Battle of Hastings in which a Norman invasion force conquered Britain and there are plenty of reminders on offer in Normandy. Talking of Normandy, one of the most iconic sites in the world lies there. Mont-Saint-Michel is a unique and majestic icon that towers above the tide.

If you’re looking for something a little different, then France is home to most of the world’s largest ski resorts, and these aren’t crumbling old resorts, France works hard to keep them up to date. Booking with an agency like Freedom Ski takes a lot of hassle out of planning and also offers some amazing experiences.For example, look to the ski slopes of Morzine, which even has plenty to do if the slopes are too much for you! Situated in the foothills of the famous Mont Blanc, Morzine hosts restaurants and even a cinema! It’s close to Geneva, so it is also quite accessible. France plays host to the Alps, so there’s no end to snow-based excitement, and you can even venture to a few different countries through the Alpine mountain range!

Of course, France is home to champagne and some stellar vineyards. If bubbly or wine is your thing, then you can drive from village to village sampling the finest wines along the way! Be sure to hire a driver, though!

France is also home to plenty of green countryside full of history. The history of the French countryside is dominated by towers and castles. The most famous among these being the legendary Palace of Versailles. The palace is a pure dedication to luxury and excess, and the owners, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette paid the price for their glamor eventually! Full of gold, silver, crystal and majestic tapestries, the palace is full of wonder and glitz! Of course, the glamorous gardens are not to be missed.

If that leaves an impression on you, then the Impressionist art by Claude Monet hosted at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nice will also tickle your fancies. If you want to see Monet’s inspirations, then make sure to visit the Giverny house and its beautiful gardens. Getting the picture yet? France is full of wonder!

It’s not just beauty, though – there are a few beasts in France and none more so than the metal beasts of Le Mans, home to the world’s most famous endurance race – the Le Mans 24 Hours. Head to the museum or the world famous circuit if you’re a petrolhead to see the inner workings of this world famous circuit! While not ‘technically’ France, a visit to Monaco and the world famous casinos are a must as well as the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo.

Of course, France is also where the food is at. The term ‘bistro’ is now worldwide, but these roadside cafes are places where you can sit back and watch France rush by you. Soups, bread and all manner of pastries dominate French cuisine, which is seriously tasty! From Michelin star restaurants right through to street cafes and of course, fast food – there is so much for you to taste in France!

It doesn’t matter what you’re into – France likely has something to offer from food, champagne, wine, history, and activities, there truly is something for everyone. France might seem like a typical destination, but that is for a good reason. It’s one of the best places to visit in the entire world.

For some couples, there is nothing better than a romantic getaway to revive the fire of passion. For others, the mention of a romantic getaway holiday causes a cold sweat. Indeed, while most people love the idea of a time for your couple in a beautiful place of the world, romantic getaways can go terribly wrong. But don’t worry, there are some things that you can do to make sure that you are not taking any chance with your romantic vacation. Make it count with some practical common sense.

#1. You Need To Invest Time And Money

For a start, you need to accept that while you might want to be spontaneous and easy-going, a romantic getaway needs to be prepared carefully. As a rule of the thumb, a romantic vacation involves luxury, as, whatever you might think of it, camping holidays and hostel tours rarely appear on top of the list of most romantic breaks. Romance needs the right atmosphere, and this can only be done if you choose to invest time and money in your holiday.

#2. Plan The Journey From Your Home To The Hotel

The world is full of romantic cities. But to take an obvious example, Venice is a typical destination for romantic holidays that go wrong. Indeed, the journey from the airport to the town is exhausting if you rely on public coaches, and it can be difficult to find your way to the hotel in the labyrinth of small streets and canals. So make sure to look for a transport service such as bookwatertaxivenice that can get you from the airport to your hotel easily. You even get your personal water taxi to navigate the canals quickly!

#3. Avoid The Tourists

Coming back to Venice, the common mistake of most holidaymakers is to pick the highly touristic season, July and August, where the town is crowded, and the lagoon’s mosquitos are out in force. Additionally, summer couples often complain about the stale damp smells in the Venetian alleys. The city is very hygienic, but the summer heat and the crowds have negative consequences. So, before picking your romantic city, make your research and avoid the worst months!

#4. Book Your Tickets In Advance

Wherever you choose to go, you need to appreciate that there will always be other tourists around, even if you pick a low season. So if you are planning to take your lover to a trip to the museum before going to the opera in the evening, well done, this is a perfectly romantic agenda. But consider booking your tickets in advance if you want to avoid the queues that could ruin your day. Most attraction places and concert houses allow you to book online, even in old Venice! So don’t waste any time.

#5. Pack For The Weather From The Forecast

Once you have picked your dates carefully, booked everything, and are ready to pack, you should always check the weather forecast before choosing your clothes. Too many romantic getaways are ruined by couples packing for the weather they hoped for instead of the one that was forecast. So, if you’ve picked the beginning of Spring to go to Venice, don’t pack all your summer tops without checking the weather. March and April can be very cool, even by the Adriatic sea.

The best thing about travelling is travelling with someone close to you. Not only do you get to go on adventures and a world of discovery, you get to rediscover each other and everything you may have been missing while raising a family or working. Of course, even those couples young and in love head off for a weekend away to get to know each other, it’s not just for those on a path of rediscovery. However, luxury is where it’s at and taking a few weekends off through the year for a little indulgence is good for the soul and we wholly recommend it!

It’s not often you get to say you’ve been travelling around the world. Aside from the usual choices of schlepping it through the desert, rainforests and jungles to discover new cultures, and backpacking across continents, there’s a little bit of luxury waiting for you. Choosing to go away for a weekend instead of long term travelling can be far more exciting – and cheap! White sandy beaches are the choice of sun lovers but what about youwinter worshippers out there? Where should you go to soak up the scenery and stay snuggled from the snow? There are some beautiful places to visit across the USA andCanada so if you are whisking your partner away for a weekend and you want something different from the usual sun spots, check out our list of amazing weekenders.

With a nation that covers ten million square acres of land, you getplenty of choice with Canada, and all of it is geared toward outdoor living. Whether you want to ski down the side of a mountain in Whistler or enjoy some of the city life in Vancouver, Canada has pretty much anything you may be looking for. We’ll start with the Canadian spots for weekend winter wonders and then move onto the USA and hopefully by the end of this post, you’ll be enchanted to book your break away!

Vancouver is a rather beautiful city with many coastal resorts that have a ton to offer. Big city excitement for those who want to explore, shop and enjoy delicious food as well as natural splendour to be enjoyed. World class shopping facilities in the form of Oakridge Shopping Centre can give you somewhere to explore and buy souvenirs should you choose to and those who love the outdoors will be amazed and awed by Stanley Park. A weekend away here can suit any adventurer, especially those looking for a little down time with nature.

Whisk your wonder away to Whistler. Hole yourselves up in one of the biggest and best ski destinations in the world, with the right terrains and just a touch of luxury to suit everyone. Whistler and Blackcomb join together to form one resort and if you want some great snow, take your weekend away from November to May. If you’re not much into skiing or snowboarding, you can dig-sled, snowmobile and cross-country down the mountains. In the resorts, you could find indoor activities, hot tubs and great food. There’s really something for everyone here and the scenery itself is simply breath-takingly beautiful.

If you want something a little more intimate, Lake Louise is an enchanting place to visit for the weekend. It’s very popular with its skiers of any level and it is backed by the Banff National Park, which has majestic mountains and over four thousand acres of skiable ground. There’s a lake for those hand-in-hand walks and you can toboggan, ride horse-drawn sleighs and go snow-shoeing for something that bit different.

Headingdown to the USA, Jackson Hole in Wyoming is home of the Tetons. A remarkably beautiful place to be, you can stay in hotels, resorts or there is anamazing lodging option available for those who want a truly authentic mountain experience. Close to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is one of the most luxurious places to visit for ski lovers and those who love an adventure. Dripping in history, there’s more than just a mountain or two to explore so a weekend away holed up in a beautiful lodge will be attractive to anyone.

One of the most popular places to ski in America is Aspen, Colorado. It’s renowned around the world and visitors from all over the place go there to ski, explore and enjoy the surrounding villages. Weekends away require a luxury atmosphere and Aspen has it in spades with a quaint style and first class hotel options. The town itself is traditional and warm in hospitality. It’s not all skiing either, with spa options available and guided walks in the mountain being an option for the very brave of heart.

Of course, there are plenty of winter weekend options throughout both incredible countries and the ones listed above are merely a small snippet of what you can find. Most of the time in the winter months, people seek the sun and warmth to enjoy and use it as a time to get away from the cold that can be pretty bitter. There is a beauty, however, in the mountains and the snowy scenes. It encompasses comfort,luxury and fun and being able to whip off on a weekend here and there to get your adrenaline pumping on the slopes or simply explore the scenery together is the ultimate fun option. Why bother with the local gym when you could strap on your snowboard andget a workout in that way?

It’s not just that either, it’s the fantastic food, accommodation and shopping in resorts to enjoy that really makes a winter weekend. Curling up by a fire while a snowstorm rages outside, building snowmen and enjoying time in a hot tub all make a winter weekend away wonderful. Choosing snow over sun can be the best weekend you have ever had so all you have to do now is book somewhere amazing to enjoy for the weekend. Truly, what’s stopping you?

Canada is such a huge country, there are various provinces and cities which you could visit, each of which has their own unique culture and attractions. Unfortunately, the sheer size of the country makes it pretty difficult to travel around and see everything during one trip. Most people see one area of the country and plan to return on another occasion to explore the rest of the country. But where exactly do you start when it comes to a country as huge as Canada? Well, here are some of the best provinces and everything they have to offer. Hopefully, this makes planning your whole trip a lot easier, and you don’t get too spoiled for choice!

Ontario

Located in east-central Canada, Ontario is home to some pretty impressive cities. Not only is it the home of the country’s capital city, Ottawa, but it is also where you will find Toronto, Canada’s largest city with a population of just over 2.6 million. Even though Toronto may not be the capital city of the whole country, it is still the capital of the province of Ontario. There are many famous landmarks in the city, including the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. If you are into your ice hockey, this city is well worth a visit as it is also home to the Hockey Hall of Fame. See how many famous players you can spot in this popular attraction! Ontario isn’t just about cosmopolitan cities, though. There are also lots of natural landmarks waiting to be explored! Take a trip down to the American-Canadian border to see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. There are even more bracing landscapes to see at the Southern Georgian Bay. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

Quebec

Canada is known for having two official languages, French and English. Even though English is the predominantly spoken language across the country, the province of Quebec is largely French-speaking. But don’t let that put you off, as most people who live in this area are bilingual. However, it is worth bearing in mind that most signs and menus will be in French, so it could be handy taking a phrasebook with you! The two main cities in this province are Quebec City and Montreal. Montreal is possible the most well-known of the two and features famous landmarks including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Quebec is also popular with skiers as there are a few different ski resorts dotted around in the north. Mont-Tremblant gets busy during the winter, though you can find some reasonable deals by looking at various sites like Hotel Mont Tremblant.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s maritime provinces, which are the easternmost provinces. They make up Atlantic Canada. Explore is known for its bracing landscape and scenic beaches. If you want to dip your toes into the Atlantic Ocean, you need to head straight to the Bay of Fundy. This is an excellent destination to go to if you want to go whale watching as you will be able to see some of the twelve species of whales that live in the bay! If you want to lounge on a beach, go to Melmerby Beach Provincial Park. The beaches in this park benefit from warm temperatures, and many people head there for surfing and sunbathing. Another thing that Nova Scotia is known for is its vineyards. Ever tried Canadian wine before? Well, you will have plenty of chance to once you are in Nova Scotia, as the province features many notable vineyards and wineries. The soil conditions and temperate climate have helped to make this province Canada’s most famous wine country, and you can explore the different grapes on one of the many wine tours.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The most easterly of Canada’s provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is another of the country’s maritimes. Even though the are is thought of by many as being quite remote, it is only a three-hour plane journey from Toronto. And, believe us, that journey is worth all the effort! There are loads of amazing natural landscapes in the province, making it a great place to go to for birdwatching, hiking, and fishing. There are also lots of boat tours that take people out diving and whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean. There are four national parks located in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Terra Nova National Park. Situated right on the Canadian coast, this park features both mountainscapes and secluded beaches and is known for its kayaking, boat trips, and golf. There are also lots of theater performances held in Terra Nova through the summer so you will find plenty of evening entertainment!

British Columbia

Right on the western side of Canada, British Columbia is where you will find the city of Vancouver. This city may be quite sizeable, but it benefits from having very walkable neighborhoods, and the metropolis is also very close to lots of natural areas and stunning countryside. There is lots to keep you very busy in Vancouver, from strolling around the farmer’s market on Granville Island to coming face to face with some curious fish species in the Vancouver Aquarium. But there is a whole lot more to British Columbia than just Vancouver. The province has a great reputation for its annual events and festivals, including the Surrey International Children’s Festival and the Kitimat Canada Day Celebrations. If you are into your outdoor activities, then why not head to the West Kootenays. This area becomes a popular ski area in the winter, but it is just as popular in the summer when lots of hikers and mountain bikers head here. Lots of boat and ferry trips leave from the Kootenays and take visitors on trips around the large lakes.

As you can see, wherever you go in Canada, you are sure to have lots of fun and experience a varied culture. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your Canadian trip right now!

For those of us who suffer from wanderlust, who constantly look for the next chance available to escape the confines of the traditional 9 to 5 job, returning home can be an upsetting experience. Although we always miss our close friends and family, we instantly miss the sense of freedom that travel brings. With this in mind, I thought I’d put together a quick post on some of the things you can do to cheer yourself up and rid yourself of the holiday blues, when you next get back from the holiday of a lifetime.

Stock up the fridge

First and foremost, grab your shopping bags and head to the supermarket. A sure-fire way to improve your mood is to fill your cupboards with all your favourite food and drink that you missed while you were away. Whether it’s your favourite bar of chocolate, or a cup of herbal tea that you can’t get anywhere else, it will instantly push all the right buttons to make you feel better.

Have a pampering day

One of the things I always miss the most when travelling is home comforts. When you’re bouncing from place to place, the chances of stopping for a nice hot bath with your favourite bath bomb somewhere are slim to none, so treat yourself to the ultimate pampering experience. Face masks, bath crystals, a manicure – whatever helps you to wind down and relax should be top on your list of activities for when you get back home.

Make a photo album

Just because your latest break is over doesn’t mean you have to forget all about it. You can re-live all those priceless moments from your trip by printing off your favourite snaps and putting together a themed photo alum or scrapbook. However, this is probably going to be an expensive task if you love to take photos of everything like I do, and can’t bear to leave any of them out. My top tip for saving money here is to buy things like photo paper, printer ink and hp toner from cartridgepeople.com, as you’ll get much better quality for a lower price.

Make more plans!

Although you might not be able to afford to jump right back onto another plane, you can certainly still make plenty of plans! Organise a day trip with your girl gang so you get to reconnect with all your favourite friends – these are the people you’ve missed most whilst on your trip, so seeing them again is sure to lift your mood. Even just going around to cook with your family or visit relatives is a way of enjoying some quality time with people you love.

I hope this post has helped to lift your spirits now that you’re back home and secretly lusting after another holiday. Do you have any other little routines you use to make yourself feel better? Let me know in the comments section below.

When it comes to travelling to beautiful, far flung places, Central America is one of the most unfairly overlooked places in the world. With incredible culture and food, it’s one of the regions that’s most worth visiting in the world. Here are three countries that are particularly worth a look…

Panama

No matter what sort of vacation you want, you can find it in Panama. With the Caribbean Sea to its north and the Pacific Ocean to its south, its tourist industry is rapidly growing. Panama City is reminiscent of Miami with its gleaming buildings, and if your Spanish isn’t great then there’s no problem as a lot of its residents speak English. If you want a chilled out beach vacation then Panama is perfect for you, but there’s also a lot of nature for you to explore – you can go to the waterfalls in the highlands near Santa Fé, and explore the biodiversity of the Darién along with snorkelling at Boros del Toro and scuba diving with whale sharks in the Pacific.

Costa Rica

Probably the most popular tourist destination in Central America, Costa Rica is absolutely worth a visit with its glorious coastlines, white sand beaches and heavenly turquoise oceans. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is shrouded – obviously! – in clouds and boasts lush green mountains and a tropical landscape along with zip lines that you can explore and natural beauty that will blow your mind. The Arenal Volcano is also worth a visit. Until recently it was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but don’t worry – it won’t spew lava at you since it entered a resting cycle in 2010. You could visit a turtle sanctuary in Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of the country, where you can see the sea turtles that hatch and nest on the beach. If you want to volunteer in Costa Rica, you can easily do so, particularly if you’re interested in nature and biodiversity. Whether you want to work with nature, particularly turtles, sports education, at an orphanage, or with children with special needs, you’ll find the volunteering trip that you want in Costa Rica.

Guatemala

Tourists will find exactly what they want in Guatemala, whether that’s all night partying, a chilled out luxury beach vacation, or anyone seeking adventure. With cobbled streets and colonial architecture, Guatemala is also a cultural feast for anyone who wants to find out about the history of Central America and not just the wildlife. The Mayan Ruins of Tikal, near the border of Belize, was occupied between 600 BC and AD 900, and has more than 3000 structures, including pyramids, temples and an acropolis. It’s one of the most important and largest Mayan archaeological sites in existence. Lake Atitlán is an area of incredible beauty and absolutely worth a visit. It was formed in a volcanic crater and has three volcanoes as its backdrop. With a lot of spiritual and new age centres in nearby cities and villages, this is also a great place to visit for the slightly more alternative traveller.